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Personal Finance and Investing

In reply to the discussion: ? On 401k [View all]

A HERETIC I AM

(24,588 posts)
11. You asked a couple questions, so at the risk of being redundant from those above.....
Wed May 11, 2022, 04:16 PM
May 2022

Last edited Mon Sep 26, 2022, 02:05 AM - Edit history (1)

Here’s my take;

I’m 56 under a defined union pension plan yet the company is now offering a 401k on top of defined pension so can I open up a Roth IRA and 401k separately.


Yes, you absolutely can. Some firms even offer a Roth 401(k), so it may behoove you to ask if their custodial firm offers one that you can participate in. It’s not common to have both available from what I understand, but it’s possible.


What I’m thinking is the match is free money


It most definitely is free money!


I think they said 5% and if I can dump in I figured $200 week in Roth and 401k combined


You may want to consider placing the bulk of that $200 in the 401(K), primarily because you have a higher contribution limit in that account than you do in the Roth - in your case because of your age, you can put up to $30,000 per year in the 401(k). The IRS announced new contribution limits to retirement plans (IRA’s), and those details can be found here.


and if so do you think treasury notes say ten year maturity is good idea.


Bonds are typically a conservative (as opposed to aggressive) asset class, and US Treasury Securities are about as conservative as you can get. The Ten Year is considered the benchmark, risk-free security worldwide and is currently offering a Coupon of 1.88% and the current quote on Bloomberg is showing the yield at 2.92%, which means the bonds are selling for a discount to Par at 91 1/32, which means they cost ninety one and one thirty second percent of par, or $1000. So a $1000 face value bond will cost you just over $910 and after ten years (provided you bought one recently issued) it will be redeemed for $1000, and you will have received $18.80 per year in interest payments.

How much of an individuals overall retirement account(s) is invested in bonds and how much in equities and other asset classes depends on several factors, the primary one in my opinion is your tolerance for risk. If you absolutely can not stand the idea that your account might go DOWN as well as UP, then the amount should be higher, because well…you don’t like risk! If however, you can handle seeing your balance decrease now and then but also rise with the overall market, then more risk is appropriate. This question can only be answered by you and perhaps an advisor who has your best interest at heart. You can find numerous examples of a “Risk Tolerance Questionnaire” by simply Googling that phrase. If you’ve never taken one, I highly recommend you do. Doing so will help you calculate how your portfolio should be allocated based on your individual tolerance for risk.


Thank you in advance for the help.


I hope what I wrote was of some help.
? On 401k [View all] Duncanpup May 2022 OP
Yes, if they match do it onlyadream May 2022 #1
Taxes may be significantly higher JenniferJuniper May 2022 #2
I wish I knew that 40 some years ago Deuxcents May 2022 #3
I don't think Roth existed until the late 90's. JenniferJuniper May 2022 #4
Maybe right.. Deuxcents May 2022 #5
You're correct. 1997. A HERETIC I AM May 2022 #8
Roth IRA's are funded with what I call "Checkbook Money" A HERETIC I AM May 2022 #9
So, is this how it works? onlyadream May 2022 #13
One simplified analysis ... progree May 2022 #14
Spot on. A HERETIC I AM May 2022 #15
Much appreciated, thanks progree May 2022 #18
Thank you so much for that awesome explanation! onlyadream May 2022 #16
Your're welcome 😊 progree May 2022 #17
No matter which type IRA, it is worth getting into one as early as possible csziggy May 2022 #19
Not to mention she got a tax break too for the amounts that she put into the 401k progree May 2022 #20
Oh, nice. PoindexterOglethorpe Jul 2022 #22
Zero coupon treasury bills due within two years. Frasier Balzov May 2022 #6
I try to put as much in a Roth as possible. Gore1FL May 2022 #7
Yes, your Roth needs to be the last place you take money from. PoindexterOglethorpe Jul 2022 #23
Just me, but I have invested in good quality, high dividend stocks. multigraincracker May 2022 #10
You asked a couple questions, so at the risk of being redundant from those above..... A HERETIC I AM May 2022 #11
Thank you very much Duncanpup May 2022 #12
Excellent advice here. PoindexterOglethorpe May 2022 #21
Yes take the free money. we can do it Aug 2022 #24
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